Restorative Specialist

What is restorative dentistry?

Restorative dentistry comprises all the treatments that help replace or restore lost or damaged teeth, including fillings, implants, crowns, bridges and veneers, as well as other treatments and procedures. Restorative dentistry plays an important role in helping you maintain a properly balanced bite for better overall oral health and a reduced risk of issues like temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). Plus, restoring damaged teeth help prevent further decay, gum disease, and tooth loss, and it improves your oral aesthetics and your confidence in the way you look.

Are there benefits to composite fillings besides aesthetics?

Yes; while many people choose composite fillings because they can be tinted to look like natural teeth so restorations are “hidden,” composite fillings also do not contain mercury, which is a primary component of metal amalgam filling – the fillings that tend to turn dark. About 50 percent of amalgam fillings are composed of mercury, and although the FDA says the use of mercury in dental fillings does not constitute a medical risk, there's no doubt mercury is poisonous, and over the years, filling material that wears away and becomes aspirated could cause some contamination. Composite materials avoid these issues, which is why many patients choose composites over amalgam, despite a higher cost. It's also why many patients choose to have existing metal fillings replaced with composites.

If a cracked or chipped tooth isn't bothering me, do I still need to have it treated?

Yes; even the tiniest crack can provide plenty of room for bacteria to take root, eventually causing decay. Plus, chipped teeth can result in minor changes in your bite pattern and pressures, which can cause tooth grinding, clenching or other issues. Plus, both chips and cracks weaken teeth, making them more prone to additional damage and loss.